Six teeners rescued from illegal recruiter

The Maritime Group rescued six female teenagers from an illegal recruiter who promised to give them employment while on board the M/V Princess of Paradise at the North Harbor in Manila over the weekend.

Superintendent Demosthenes Felix, regional officer of the National Capital Region’s Maritime Office, said that the illegal recruiter, identified as Antonio Alcotin, was arrested by the Maritime police at the North Harbor after receiving a tip from one Michael Abalcite, a relative of one of the minors.

The victims, who were aged 15 to 18 years old, were turned over to a social worker from Bahay Silungan sa Daungan at Pier 8, North Harbor in Tondo, Manila, the police said.

Felix added that Alcotin is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act of 2003. — Christina Mendez